Midwest Search Dogs, MSD

06/06/2026

It's also more than being a shiny K9 handler.

Search and Rescue, it's more than just looking in the woods.

05/31/2026

has come to a close after 4 long, productive days.

~60 K9 handlers tackled formidable set ups and scenarios with brave willingness and open minds. The feedback and interactions were once again wonderfully thought provoking and meaningful. Very good questions and follow up as well during the instructor round table before everyone headed home.

After 4 days, the secret at Bill's Bar and neighborhood is finally out! Some very hard lessons were learned while working this scenario. NOT ONE student spoiled the unexpected situation presented to them at this station for those that didn't get to run it until their last station on Saturday. How very awesome and appreciated of you all! They also did very well with going from low diffused odor straight to strong, heavy odor to help solve this case.

During brief downtimes, Chelsea and K9 Mkowa got to train at some of the other instructor's stations. After 4 days, with set ups like these creating complex odor pictures, the problem can still be adjusted and worked to be very productive for a dog in training. They were exactly what his young brain needed to keep making progress in his training! We also couldn't pass up some photo ops on the tank!

To wrap it all up, we got the opportunity to visit The Farm. Sahara, the camel, and her goat friends were a perfect send off!

K9Sensus Foundation

05/30/2026

Day 2 did not disappoint!
They came, they saw, they keep learning, they're doing great!
Most are just chauffeurs for their dogs anyway.

Day 3 - Let's work more brain cells!

K9Sensus Foundation

05/29/2026

Day 1- 2 great groups through the houses station today. Eager, open minded learners who, when appropriate, celebrated the wins and accepted their mistakes. No excuses, just accountability. That's what sets you apart.

Day 2 - More of Day 1 please!!

K9Sensus Foundation

05/25/2026

Our fearless leader Chelsea is onto the next adventure!

Can't wait to welcome 60 motivated learners in a few days to the K9Sensus HRD seminar at MUTC.
Looking forward to more meaningful conversations and thoughtful training!

05/19/2026

The Orion's Challenge Day 3 - Team winner announced, a little one on one time with the students, and brains full for the trip home.

Thank you to Ohio Branch K9 Search Team for another great event! While this year's seminar has come to an end, the lessons and skills taken back will help keep teams working towards being the best resources they can be to bring the lost and missing home.

Thank you to all the students, helpers, and fellow instructors for making it a successful event. Everyone did great! It was a pleasure to work with each one of you. Congrats to the team for winning the overall challenge! Looking forward to 2027!

Next year planning begins! - ✔️

05/17/2026

The Orion's Challenge Day 2 is in the books. Scenarios completed, lessons learned, skills to take back. Folks took feedback from day 1 and and instead of individuals who were doing the same tasks, came together and performed as teams. Great job by everyone. Onto to Day 3- ✔️

05/16/2026

The Orion's Challenge Day 1 - A life size I Spy to get things going and then on to the serious work; fine tuning skills, challenging comfort zones, enhancing communication, and training to a higher standard. - ✔️

05/08/2026

🚨 **ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT: The Orion's Challenge!** 🚨

Learning directly from professionals with decades of real-world deployment experience—including our team President and most experienced handler, Chelsea Gill, this immersive, scenario-based seminar simulates a live search call-out.
It’s an incredible opportunity for both K9 handlers and ground search personnel to train together, navigate complex search problems, and build critical field experience as a unified team.
Regardless of your title, no one is too "advanced" and no one is too new to participate.

Grab that spot and remember, we are all ground searchers at our core!

We had a last minute cancellation, we currently have one working K9 spot open.

04/23/2026

Celebrating National Volunteer Week!

To our dedicated 2 legged and 4 legged personnel who train countless hours to be ready at a moments notice, we thank you for your commitment to the mission and are grateful for your hard work and dedication!